Operation Sindoor
In early May 2025, the Indian armed forces executed counterterror operation, ‘Operation Sindoor.’ This operation involved targeted strikes on nine terrorist facilities within Pakistan. The primary focus was on the infrastructure of two notorious groups – Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). This operation is one of the most extensive cross-border actions by India since the Balakot airstrikes in 2019.
Context of the Operation
The operation was a response to ongoing terrorist activities linked to JeM and LeT. These groups have been responsible for numerous attacks on Indian soil over the past two decades. The strikes targeted sites in Bahawalpur, Kotli, and Muridke, which are known hotbeds of extremist activity. Pakistan officially acknowledged that these sites were hit.
List of 9 Terror Targets Hit Under Operation Sindoor
Markaz Subhan Allah (Bahawalpur, Pakistan)
- Headquarters of Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) since 2015.
- Linked to Pulwama attack (2019).
- Trains terrorists in weapons, religion, and physical combat.
- Houses JeM leaders like Masood Azhar and others.
Markaz Taiba (Muridke, Pakistan)
- Main Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) training center since 2000.
- Funded partly by Osama bin Laden.
- Trained the 26/11 Mumbai attackers, including Ajmal Kasab.
Sarjal/Tehra Kalan (Narowal, Pakistan)
- JeM infiltration base near Samba sector, just 6 km from India.
- Used for digging tunnels and drone-based smuggling of arms and drugs.
Mehmoona Joya Facility (Sialkot, Pakistan)
- Operated by Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) from a government school.
- Conducts weapon training and infiltration into Jammu.
Markaz Ahle Hadith Barnala (Bhimber, PoJK)
- LeT base near Barnala for infiltration into Poonch-Rajouri-Reasi areas.
- Can host 100–150 terrorists.
Markaz Abbas (Kotli, PoJK)
- JeM camp headed by Hafiz Abdul Shakoor, aide of Mufti Abdul Rauf.
- Used for planning infiltrations into Jammu & Kashmir.
- Accommodates 100–125 cadres.
Maskar Raheel Shahid (Kotli, PoJK)
- One of HM’s oldest and most active camps.
- Provides sniper, BAT (Border Action Team), and survival training.
- Trains 150–200 terrorists.
Shawai Nallah Camp (Muzaffarabad, PoJK)
- LeT camp, also known as Bait-ul-Mujahideen.
- Offers Daura-e-Aam training (religious + weapons training).
- Supported by Pakistani Army and ISI.
- Launch base for North Kashmir infiltrations.
Markaz Syedna Bilal (Muzaffarabad, PoJK)
- JeM facility used for infiltration into J&K.
- Trains 50–100 cadres, with Pakistan Army’s SSG commandos giving advanced combat training.
- Indian fugitive Aashiq Nengroo is also active here.
Weapons used in the operation
SCALP Missile (Storm Shadow):
- A long-range, air-launched cruise missile
- Range: 250+ km
- Used for deep and precise strikes
HAMMER Bombs:
- Full form: Highly Agile Modular Munition Extended Range
- Used to hit strong targets like bunkers and tall buildings
- Range: 50–70 km, depending on how high it’s launched
Loitering Munitions (Kamikaze Drones):
- Used for surveillance, target spotting, and final attacks
- Can hover over an area and attack when a target is found
Nature of the Strikes
The Indian strikes were characterised as high-precision missile attacks. They were described as focused and measured, avoiding Pakistani military facilities. India aimed to hold accountable those responsible for terrorist actions against its citizens.
Preceding Diplomatic Efforts
Before the military action, India undertook several diplomatic measures against Pakistan. This included issuing a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) indicating large-scale military drills along the border, presented as routine exercises.
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